Buying my first gun
- Thread starter JayCee72
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Seminole
Member
Do you have in mind a handgun, rifle, or shotgun?
Ukraine Train
Member
Welcome to the board. You have to tell us what your intended use for the gun will be... concealed carry, home defense, target shooting, plinking, etc. This will make it easier to narrow your choices. Where in MI are you? I went to college at Kettering U in Flint.
Greybeard7
Member
Light with little recoil? Sounds like a .22 to me. Although there are many advocates of the Ruger MarkII, I think the Browing Buckmark is a better .22LR pistol. YMMV (Caveat, this is NOT reccommended as a self defense pistol.) Either pistol is a good introduction to autoloading pistols and would be a good pistol to learn the basics of safe firearms practices and marksmanship.
WARNING: This will not be your only handgun. If you decide to purchase a handgun for self defense this is NOT what you want. If you want to purchase one handgun for self defense for your first handgun, I would reccommend a .357 magnum revolver and shoot .38 special ammunition through it until you are comfortable with the recoil, then move up to .357 magnum loads.
What your plans are for this handgun and any future plans for additional handguns are key to this issue.
Welcome to the board.
GB7
WARNING: This will not be your only handgun. If you decide to purchase a handgun for self defense this is NOT what you want. If you want to purchase one handgun for self defense for your first handgun, I would reccommend a .357 magnum revolver and shoot .38 special ammunition through it until you are comfortable with the recoil, then move up to .357 magnum loads.
What your plans are for this handgun and any future plans for additional handguns are key to this issue.
Welcome to the board.
GB7
What have you shot before and in your mind is light and has little recoil ?
They make all kinds of light guns these days but if you are going to be shooting a typical defense load in it then it may not have what you consider little recoil . Do you reload to make light recoiling rounds ?
I have a Taurus PT940 in 40 S&W that is pretty light "28 ounces unloadded" to me and recoil isn't a problem at all . Neither are my 1911's with steel frames and full power loads . I also have some .357's and have no problem with these even with full power magnum loads .
A nice 4 inch barreled .357 is always a good weapon and with light reloads or 148 gr wadcutters in 38 is a pussy cat to shoot all day long .
You are realy going to have to go to a range and shoot some guns and then some shops and get a feel for the different weapons as they may fit your hand differently .
Don't forget that the grips/stocks on many guns can be changed to suit your grip .
They make all kinds of light guns these days but if you are going to be shooting a typical defense load in it then it may not have what you consider little recoil . Do you reload to make light recoiling rounds ?
I have a Taurus PT940 in 40 S&W that is pretty light "28 ounces unloadded" to me and recoil isn't a problem at all . Neither are my 1911's with steel frames and full power loads . I also have some .357's and have no problem with these even with full power magnum loads .
A nice 4 inch barreled .357 is always a good weapon and with light reloads or 148 gr wadcutters in 38 is a pussy cat to shoot all day long .
You are realy going to have to go to a range and shoot some guns and then some shops and get a feel for the different weapons as they may fit your hand differently .
Don't forget that the grips/stocks on many guns can be changed to suit your grip .
Welcome to THR!
A .22 revolver is both light with little recoil and has the bonus of being reliable and inexpensive. Look into Taurus, Ruger and S&W .22 revolvers.
A .22 revolver is both light with little recoil and has the bonus of being reliable and inexpensive. Look into Taurus, Ruger and S&W .22 revolvers.
30-06 lover
Member
Plinking/Fun: Browning Buckmark Standard 22LR
Home Defense: H&K USP 45 ACP
Target Shooting: Springfield 1911 in 9mm or 45 ACP
Concealed Carry: H&K USP Compact 45 ACP
For fun and target a 9mm and 22LR are fun and accurate with little recoil. For defense I've always liked having a 45 ACP. The recoil isn't really bad, accuracy is very good, and to the great thing is combat accuracy with a pistol means hitting a chest sized target at 25 yards which is rather large.
-Mike
Home Defense: H&K USP 45 ACP
Target Shooting: Springfield 1911 in 9mm or 45 ACP
Concealed Carry: H&K USP Compact 45 ACP
For fun and target a 9mm and 22LR are fun and accurate with little recoil. For defense I've always liked having a 45 ACP. The recoil isn't really bad, accuracy is very good, and to the great thing is combat accuracy with a pistol means hitting a chest sized target at 25 yards which is rather large.
-Mike
OldSchooler
Member
I plan on buying my first hand gun soon...does anyone have any recommendations?? I want something light w/ little recoil.
Since you didnt specify what your vision is, lets assume the "one gun does all approach" for now, Ok?.
Some have mentioned a .22 RF revolver or auto. Indeed it will have tame recoil and can be light weight, but it really is a plinker/target or very light game load. I love them, I have them, and they have their place - but being an Omni-Gun isnt it.
For a neophyte who wants to explore and learn, I suggest the .38 Special in 4" or 6" barrel. There are some great used S&W's out there, as well as Rugers. Revolvers are rugged, reliable and the .38 round can multi-task very well. They are hefty enough to be solid but not burdensome for the average person.
Is isnt as cheap as the .22 to shoot, but ammo is about as plentiful as hippies at Woodstock and is still pretty reasonably priced.
In light loads, the .38 is a fun plinker and has easily mastered recoil.
In heavier loads it can double as a small game round.
In the heaviest loads its a revered defense caliber.
For decades, shooting championships - from military to police marksmanship events - were won with this round. By men and women. It has been a standard for accuracy and moderate virtue for longer than the majority of us here have been alive. It wouldnt have held on so long, and well, if it weren't so. Get a .38
My 2 cents.
Since you didnt specify what your vision is, lets assume the "one gun does all approach" for now, Ok?.
Some have mentioned a .22 RF revolver or auto. Indeed it will have tame recoil and can be light weight, but it really is a plinker/target or very light game load. I love them, I have them, and they have their place - but being an Omni-Gun isnt it.
For a neophyte who wants to explore and learn, I suggest the .38 Special in 4" or 6" barrel. There are some great used S&W's out there, as well as Rugers. Revolvers are rugged, reliable and the .38 round can multi-task very well. They are hefty enough to be solid but not burdensome for the average person.
Is isnt as cheap as the .22 to shoot, but ammo is about as plentiful as hippies at Woodstock and is still pretty reasonably priced.
In light loads, the .38 is a fun plinker and has easily mastered recoil.
In heavier loads it can double as a small game round.
In the heaviest loads its a revered defense caliber.
For decades, shooting championships - from military to police marksmanship events - were won with this round. By men and women. It has been a standard for accuracy and moderate virtue for longer than the majority of us here have been alive. It wouldnt have held on so long, and well, if it weren't so. Get a .38
My 2 cents.
Last edited:
PaladinX13
Member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2002
- Messages
- 747
Since Michigan requires you to have permits to purchase handguns (which can take up to 3 months!) and requires you to register, buy quality. If it were a "free" state where you can just get whatever you want whenever you want, I'd say look for a used .22 revolver to start with.
If you're getting into guns for defensive reasons then I'd start with your defensive arm, 9mm since you want to keep recoil down, and is priced lower to allow you to practice more as it's your first handgun.
If you're getting into guns for pure recreation, then I'd start with a .22LR... personally I think a nice double-action revolver is a good place to start, but go with what you like, it's your first gun.
If you're getting into guns for defensive reasons then I'd start with your defensive arm, 9mm since you want to keep recoil down, and is priced lower to allow you to practice more as it's your first handgun.
If you're getting into guns for pure recreation, then I'd start with a .22LR... personally I think a nice double-action revolver is a good place to start, but go with what you like, it's your first gun.
Thanks!
Wow, thanks for all the great suggestions. I'm really looking for a handgun, for target practice and home protection. I do plan on eventually getting my CCW.
I used to shoot a 9mm, but it's been years (at least 12yrs) since I shot a gun. Can you say Rusty!!
Are gun & knife shows a good place to go look?
Thanks again for all the suggestions.
Ukraine Train I'm about 50 minutes south of Flint.
Wow, thanks for all the great suggestions. I'm really looking for a handgun, for target practice and home protection. I do plan on eventually getting my CCW.
I used to shoot a 9mm, but it's been years (at least 12yrs) since I shot a gun. Can you say Rusty!!
Are gun & knife shows a good place to go look?
Thanks again for all the suggestions.
Ukraine Train I'm about 50 minutes south of Flint.
aguyindallas
Member
After I put on my flame suit...
One word:
GLOCK
One word:
GLOCK
MachIVshooter
Member
Only if you know what you're looking for. Gun shows offer an incredible selection, since there are usually a couple dozen or more different dealers and multiple private individuals selling, and they are a good place to find rare or obscure guns and accessories. However, you are not likely to get the kind of one-on-one help you need to decide which should be your first at a show.
I would suggest a local gunshop (NOT big sporting goods store) with knowledgeable folks who don't work on commission. Any decent gunshop will have at least a dozen 9mm pistols and can help you decide which one fits you and your wallet.
I want something light w/ little recoil.
Something new shooters often don't realize, weight and recoil are linked
The heavier the gun, the softer the recoil will be.
Guns that have been made espeically light (so they are easy to carry all day long) will have a lot more recoil than a normal gun.
Think about it this way, if you have a 100lb block of steel, and you drill a hole in it, pour in some gunpowder, then light the gunpowder on fire, that block of steel isn't going to go anywhere. Now do the same thing with a few sheets of tinfoil....
As far as a starter handgun? I too have to say a revolver in 357 with a 4inch to 6 inch barrel by colt, taurus, smith & wesson, or ruger will be a great buy, easy to learn on, simple to understand. What's even better, you can fire 38 specials through the gun, which will allow you to have very low recoil, very inexpensive practice. Yet you can put in regular 357 rounds and have a real powerhouse when you need it.
Something new shooters often don't realize, weight and recoil are linked
The heavier the gun, the softer the recoil will be.
Guns that have been made espeically light (so they are easy to carry all day long) will have a lot more recoil than a normal gun.
Think about it this way, if you have a 100lb block of steel, and you drill a hole in it, pour in some gunpowder, then light the gunpowder on fire, that block of steel isn't going to go anywhere. Now do the same thing with a few sheets of tinfoil....
As far as a starter handgun? I too have to say a revolver in 357 with a 4inch to 6 inch barrel by colt, taurus, smith & wesson, or ruger will be a great buy, easy to learn on, simple to understand. What's even better, you can fire 38 specials through the gun, which will allow you to have very low recoil, very inexpensive practice. Yet you can put in regular 357 rounds and have a real powerhouse when you need it.
mljdeckard
Member
I'll back up aguyindallas on a glock being a good recommendation for a first gun.
I use my Kimber for everything. I bought a .22 conversion kit for it, so I use it for that too.
I use my Kimber for everything. I bought a .22 conversion kit for it, so I use it for that too.
BigFatKen
Member
My Taurus has a stainless steel frame which gives it weight to reduce recoil and helps avoid rust. It also is DA only with a "bobed hammer" which only appears when you start to squezze the trigger. Very good for pocket carry use but not so good for accurate target use.
However, if you only practice your target shooting for self defense use that is no problemo.
However, if you only practice your target shooting for self defense use that is no problemo.
GeorgiaGlocker
Member
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2006
- Messages
- 217
Glock 26. It's getting warm in here. *Flame suit on*
Ghost Walker
Member
One of the guys I shoot with just purchased one of these. It's well-made and seems to be a good value for the money. (Can be setup to take a longer barrel and shoulder stock, too!) 
It's a Beretta Neos U22. You can find out all about it, here:
http://www.berettausa.com/product/product_pistols_main.htm
Good luck whatever one you choose!
iracodypatterson
Member
Hey, welcome to the board. I'm kind of new here too.
Looking for a handgun, I would recommend a .357 magnum revolver. All of them (as far as I know) will shoot 357 mag OR 38 special shells. Personally, I would say to look at the Ruger GP100 or the Ruger Super Blackhawk in a .357 magnum. Big enough to take down any moving, living thing within 25-50 feet, but still relatively small and light. The .38 is a great plinker/target practice bullet, but it's nice to have the option of using the more powerful .357 magnum if the need ever arose. I have a medium frame 7-shot S&W but personally, I think the Ruger GP100 is a better-put together gun. The only thing with the Ruger is if you shoot it single action style (cock the hammer with your thumb, then squeeze the trigger) the hammer is very stiff, and does not seem to loosen up at all (until then muscles in your thumb and hand develop).
If you're set on a Semi-auto pistol, I'd recommend the new Springfield .45ACP XD, or a CZ B series, or Taurus/Beretta P-92 in .40 S&W caliber. All three are very nice shooting pistols that are user friendly. If home defense is at all a concern, I would not bother with anything smaller than a .40 S&W in a semi-auto, and a .357 magnum in a revolver. True, a 9mm or 38 special would probably stop the average person, and shot in the right place would kill them, but what about that one time in a million when you deal with the un-average?
I hope this helps!
Looking for a handgun, I would recommend a .357 magnum revolver. All of them (as far as I know) will shoot 357 mag OR 38 special shells. Personally, I would say to look at the Ruger GP100 or the Ruger Super Blackhawk in a .357 magnum. Big enough to take down any moving, living thing within 25-50 feet, but still relatively small and light. The .38 is a great plinker/target practice bullet, but it's nice to have the option of using the more powerful .357 magnum if the need ever arose. I have a medium frame 7-shot S&W but personally, I think the Ruger GP100 is a better-put together gun. The only thing with the Ruger is if you shoot it single action style (cock the hammer with your thumb, then squeeze the trigger) the hammer is very stiff, and does not seem to loosen up at all (until then muscles in your thumb and hand develop).
If you're set on a Semi-auto pistol, I'd recommend the new Springfield .45ACP XD, or a CZ B series, or Taurus/Beretta P-92 in .40 S&W caliber. All three are very nice shooting pistols that are user friendly. If home defense is at all a concern, I would not bother with anything smaller than a .40 S&W in a semi-auto, and a .357 magnum in a revolver. True, a 9mm or 38 special would probably stop the average person, and shot in the right place would kill them, but what about that one time in a million when you deal with the un-average?
I hope this helps!
Outlaws
Member
How much are you looking to spend?
Unless you 'plan' on getting that CCW anytime soon, I suggest leaving that out of your consideration and just buy a complact revolver or auto when the time comes. Stick with something built for home defense for now.
So light and doesn't kick? You want to stop the bad guy?
45acp, 357, 44mag.
Since the 44 kicks, the 357 and the 45 would be better choices IMO. neither will kick much if you get a full sized handgun that isn't plastic. I suggest the Ruger GP100 with a 4" barrel for the 357 and either a 1911 of some sorts for the 45. I have a Ruger P90, but not everyone finds it attractive.
I also suggest staying away from Glock if you don't want something that kicks. I had a G19 9mm that kicked as much as my GP100 357...and there is no comparing those two rounds.
Finch
Member
The best thing to do in my opinion (especially living with the hassles you deal with handgun ownership) is to visit a range and rent a few guns. Tell the dealer what you're there for and that you plan on purchasing a handgun and would like to fire a various selection (if the dealer is good, they will aid you in this by not charging you for each gun. Go when they are not busy). Make sure to try various calibers and barrel lengths, I suggest .40 (<cough> Glock 23 </cough>), but that’s me.
Once you find a gun that fits your fancy, handle it -- a lot. Get a feel for it, get to know it, buy it dinner. It will be a companion for life, treat it as such. Then when you decide, woo it, seduce it, and take it home. As I speak I have my P220 ST sitting here on my desk, its night sights glowing softly in the darkness. I stare at it in between sentences. Your gun will be an additional appendage, with you all the time. You will be hooked, so make sure it's a gun you enjoy looking at and groping, because when the time comes for you to buy another, well -- that's another thread.
Once you find a gun that fits your fancy, handle it -- a lot. Get a feel for it, get to know it, buy it dinner. It will be a companion for life, treat it as such. Then when you decide, woo it, seduce it, and take it home. As I speak I have my P220 ST sitting here on my desk, its night sights glowing softly in the darkness. I stare at it in between sentences. Your gun will be an additional appendage, with you all the time. You will be hooked, so make sure it's a gun you enjoy looking at and groping, because when the time comes for you to buy another, well -- that's another thread.
FrogClan
Member
JayCee72, picking out your gun involves a lot of decisions and compromises concerning the things that are important to you. That said, my recommendation matches that of a few guys who have posted above me.
If I were to have only one gun, it would be a revolver in .357 with a 3" or 4"-ish barrel. Loaded with .38 special it makes an affordable plinker and target shooter. The .38 special is a fine defensive round in its own right, and loaded with the .357 that gun will certainly get the job done.
If I were to have only two guns, one of them would be a .22. They are just plain fun to shoot and a very affordable way to keep practiced. Of course, you still have to keep practiced with your defensive weapon.
If I knew now that I would later have two guns, I would get the .22 first. These little shooters come in lots of flavors. If you know now what kind of gun (revolver vs auto-loader) you intend to get for your defensive weapon, get a .22 that matches. That lets you hone your skills while at the same time getting used to the gun's operation. It also gets you to the range where you can see other guns in use and, very likely, get offered a chance to handle and fire them. Great way to try the fit and feel of something before you buy one yourself.
If I were looking at a third gun, it would be a slim auto-loader in 9mm or a J-frame snubby in .38 or .357 -- something more easily concealed in a wider range of attire. Of course, if that factor is of greater importance to you that might be the first gun. You get the idea. Once you've made those preliminary decisions about type of action (auto vs revolver), barrel length, size, caliber, etc, then you get down to the specifics of Glock-this, Sig-that, or S&W-whatever.
Some of the best gun advice I've seen in print can be found on Chuck Hawk's web site. Worth your time to give it a read.
Here Chuck talks about the factors involved in selecting a handgun.
Here he gives his personal recommendations. (all opinion and trumped by your own preferences.)
Here he talks about choosing a gun for home defense, and here he talks about concealed weapons.
Another great source is Cornered Cat. Between these writers, I'm sure you will find advice in there that will be useful in making up your mind about what is right for you.
If I were to have only one gun, it would be a revolver in .357 with a 3" or 4"-ish barrel. Loaded with .38 special it makes an affordable plinker and target shooter. The .38 special is a fine defensive round in its own right, and loaded with the .357 that gun will certainly get the job done.
If I were to have only two guns, one of them would be a .22. They are just plain fun to shoot and a very affordable way to keep practiced. Of course, you still have to keep practiced with your defensive weapon.
If I knew now that I would later have two guns, I would get the .22 first. These little shooters come in lots of flavors. If you know now what kind of gun (revolver vs auto-loader) you intend to get for your defensive weapon, get a .22 that matches. That lets you hone your skills while at the same time getting used to the gun's operation. It also gets you to the range where you can see other guns in use and, very likely, get offered a chance to handle and fire them. Great way to try the fit and feel of something before you buy one yourself.
If I were looking at a third gun, it would be a slim auto-loader in 9mm or a J-frame snubby in .38 or .357 -- something more easily concealed in a wider range of attire. Of course, if that factor is of greater importance to you that might be the first gun. You get the idea. Once you've made those preliminary decisions about type of action (auto vs revolver), barrel length, size, caliber, etc, then you get down to the specifics of Glock-this, Sig-that, or S&W-whatever.
Some of the best gun advice I've seen in print can be found on Chuck Hawk's web site. Worth your time to give it a read.
Here Chuck talks about the factors involved in selecting a handgun.
Here he gives his personal recommendations. (all opinion and trumped by your own preferences.)
Here he talks about choosing a gun for home defense, and here he talks about concealed weapons.
Another great source is Cornered Cat. Between these writers, I'm sure you will find advice in there that will be useful in making up your mind about what is right for you.
Justin
Moderator Emeritus
Consider getting a Glock, CZ, or 1911, and then pick up one of the kits that lets you convert it to .22 LR. That way you get a decent self-defense firearm and a good plinker for cheap practice.
Ciener conversion kits for Glock and 1911 pistols can be found here.
Kimber also makes a .22 conversion as well.
The CZ Kadet kits can be ordered through most sporting-goods wholesalers or gun shops.
Ciener conversion kits for Glock and 1911 pistols can be found here.
Kimber also makes a .22 conversion as well.
The CZ Kadet kits can be ordered through most sporting-goods wholesalers or gun shops.
10-Ring
Member
Go 22lr DA revolver I'm still learning on mine YOu can never be too smooth
I'm still learning on mine YOu can never be too smooth - Status
